UCLA study reveals chewing gum releases microplastics, averaging 100 per gram, into the mouth.

UCLA researchers found that chewing gum releases microplastics into the mouth. Both natural and synthetic gum types release similar levels, averaging about 100 microplastics per gram, with some types releasing up to 600. An average gum chewer might ingest around 30,000 microplastics a year. The study focused on microplastics 20 micrometers or larger, with further research needed on nano-sized plastics.